MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYS: BBY) today announced results for the second quarter ("Q2 FY14") ended August 3, 2013, as compared to the second quarter ("Q2 FY13") ended August 4, 2012.

Revenue

Q2 FY14

Q2 FY13

Revenue ($ in millions)

$9,300

$9,339

Comparable store sales % change1

(0.6%)

(3.3%)

Domestic Segment:

Comparable store sales % change1

(0.4%)

(1.6%)

Comparable online sales % change

10.5%

14.2%

International Segment:

Comparable store sales % change1

(1.8%)

(11.3%)

Operating Income, Diluted EPS andReturn on Invested Capital (ROIC)

GAAP

Non-GAAP2

Q2 FY14

Q2 FY13

Q2 FY14

Q2 FY13

Operating income as a % of revenue

4.4%

0.9%

2.2%

1.9%

Diluted EPS from continuing operations

$0.69

$0.09

$0.32

$0.26

ROIC3

n/a

n/a

9.1%

11.2%

Note: During Q2 FY14, the company reached legal settlements with multiple defendants under which it will receive a total of $229 million, net of litigation costs (approximately $30 million in cash was received in Q2 FY14, with the remainder to be received in installments over the next eight quarters). These settlements were the result of a lawsuit filed by the company, as disclosed in the company's most recent Form 10-Q, that alleges price fixing by certain manufacturers of TFT-LCD panels from 1998 to 2006. The company has excluded the impact of the settlements reached during Q2 FY14 in its non-GAAP financial results to provide meaningful comparisons versus last year. Please see the table titled "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" attached to this release for more detail.

Hubert Joly, Best Buy president and CEO, commented, "In November at our investor meeting, we talked about the two problems we had to solve: declining comparable store sales and declining operating margins. Since that time, the resolution of these two problems has become our Renew Blue rallying cry and the organization's goals and objectives have been prioritized accordingly. While we are clear there is much more work ahead, we have made measurable progress since we unveiled Renew Blue last year, including near flat comparable store sales, substantive cost take outs, and better-than-expected earnings in the past three consecutive quarters."

Joly continued, "As expected, Domestic comparable store sales were down 0.4%. But this was driven by short-term disruptions caused by the retail deployment of the Samsung Experience Shops, Windows Stores, and floor space optimization, as well as our continuing rationalization of non-core businesses. Excluding these impacts, Domestic comparable store sales were flat to slightly positive for the quarter. In addition, we delivered a better-than-expected non-GAAP diluted EPS of $0.32."

Sharon McCollam, Best Buy EVP, CAO and CFO, commented, "As we look forward to the back half of the year, we are encouraged by the momentum that is being driven through the execution of our Renew Blue priorities. To build on this momentum and to position us for a strong Q4 FY14 and FY15, our Q3 and Q4 FY14 investment plan, as previously discussed, includes ongoing pricing and SG&A investments related to the following Renew Blue initiatives: (1) price reductions to further enhance Best Buy's price competitiveness where needed; (2) increased marketing costs to support growth in the mobile category; (3) improvements in the multi-channel customer experience; (4) optimization of our retail floor space; and (5) the re-platforming of bestbuy.com. The SG&A component of these investments is inclusive of the $150 to $200 million incremental SG&A that was announced earlier this year."

McCollam continued, "In addition to these investments, two other operational factors are also expected to negatively impact our Q3 and Q4 results. The first is a temporary increase in our mobile warranty costs that is expected to continue through Q1 FY15. This temporary increase is related to higher claims frequency on our legacy Geek Squad Protection programs that will expire or be operationally restructured over the next several quarters. The second is a longer term change in the economics of our private-label credit card program that is being sold by Capital One to Citibank in the third quarter of this year. This impact is due to the expiration of our previous agreement with Capital One which offered Best Buy substantially better financial terms than what is commercially available in the market today due to changes in both the regulatory environment and general consumer credit market overall."

McCollam added, "To partially offset these investments and increased operational costs is the positive financial benefit that we expect to see from the $390 million in annualized Renew Blue cost savings that Hubert mentioned above, in addition to the further savings that we are expecting to deliver in Q3 and Q4 FY14."

McCollam concluded, "So while it is not our intent today to provide comprehensive financial guidance on the total company P&L for Q3 or Q4 FY14 or FY15, we do recognize that it is difficult for investors to estimate the potential magnitude of these investments and increased operational costs without further context. We also recognize that having such a financial estimate, particularly in light of the transformative actions that are being initiated at Best Buy, is important to understanding and accurately projecting future results. Therefore, to assist our investors in making these projections, we are providing here today our latest quarterly estimates of the year-over-year basis point impact of these factors to the total company operating income rate. These estimates reflect the sum of the three P&L drivers we just discussed: (1) the negative impact of the pricing and SG&A investments; (2) the increased operational costs; and (3) the positive impact of the Renew Blue cost savings. By quarter, these estimates are as follows: (1) negative 90 to 110 basis points in Q3 FY14; (2) negative 40 to 70 basis points in Q4 FY14; (3) negative 60 to 90 basis points in Q1 FY15; (4) negative 70 to 100 basis points in Q2 FY15; and (5) negative 30 to 60 basis points in Q3 FY15. Again, these estimates only pertain to these specific P&L drivers and should not be used or interpreted in isolation as a calculated projection of our expected year-over-year change in the total company operating income rate for the quarters discussed. As we have seen in the last three quarters, our core business performance is stabilizing and our product mix and cost containment initiatives (above and beyond our Renew Blue cost savings) have been stronger than expected. As such, we expect that through continued improvements in our core business performance, we will be able to offset some or all of these impacts."

Domestic Segment Second Quarter Results

Revenue

Domestic revenue of $7.81 billion increased 0.1% versus last year. This increase was primarily driven by the revenue from 57 net new Best Buy Mobile stand-alone stores that were opened predominantly in Q3 and Q4 FY13, partially offset by a comparable store sales decline of 0.4%. Comparable store sales were negatively impacted by short-term disruptions caused by the retail deployment of the Samsung Experience Shops, Windows Stores, and floor space optimization, as well as our continuing rationalization of non-core businesses. Excluding these impacts, Domestic comparable store sales would have been flat to slightly positive.

Domestic online revenue was $477 million and comparable online sales increased 10.5% due to increased traffic and higher average order value. Including new gaming console pre-orders, which the company does not expect to ship or recognize as revenue until Q4 FY14, comparable online demand increased over 16%.

From a merchandising perspective, strong growth in mobile phone and appliances was partially offset by declines in other categories, including gaming and digital imaging.

Gross Profit Rate

Domestic gross profit rate was 27.4% versus 24.3% last year. Excluding legal settlements referred to earlier in this release, non-GAAP Domestic gross profit rate was 24.0% versus 24.3% last year. This 30 basis point rate decline was primarily driven by (1) increased product warranty-related costs associated with higher claims frequency in the mobile category; and (2) greater investment in price competitiveness, particularly in appliances and mobile. These impacts were partially offset by improved overall product mix and the accelerated recognition of previously deferred revenue associated with our Capital One credit card portfolio that will be sold to Citibank in the third quarter of this year.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses ("SG&A")

Domestic SG&A expenses were $1.72 billion or 22.0% of revenue versus $1.72 billion or 22.1% of revenue last year. On a non-GAAP basis, Domestic SG&A expenses were $1.67 billion or 21.3% of revenue versus $1.72 billion or 22.1% of revenue last year. This 80 basis point rate decline was primarily driven by (1) tighter expense management discipline throughout the company and the realization of the Renew Blue cost reduction initiatives; and (2) the impact of Q2 FY13 store closures. These impacts were partially offset by Renew Blue investments in the optimization of our retail floor space and the re-platforming of and functionality enhancements to bestbuy.com.

International Segment Second Quarter Results

Revenue

International revenue of $1.49 billion declined 2.9% versus last year. The decline was due to (1) the loss of revenue from 15 large format stores that were closed last year in Canada; and (2) a comparable store sales decline of 1.8%. Comparable store sales were negatively impacted by lower demand for consumer electronics and ongoing competitive pressure in Canada, partially offset by increased consumer demand in China due to expiring government subsidies that were supported by increased promotional offers.

Gross Profit Rate

International gross profit rate was 22.3% versus 23.8% last year. This 150 basis point rate decline was primarily driven by (1) a higher mix of China revenue that carries a lower gross profit rate; and (2) higher promotional activity in China.

SG&A

International SG&A expenses were $334 million or 22.4% of revenue versus $360 million or 23.4% of revenue last year. On a non-GAAP basis, International SG&A expenses were $332 million or 22.3% of revenue versus $359 million or 23.4% of revenue last year. This 110 basis point rate decline was primarily driven by (1) a higher mix of China revenue that carries a lower SG&A rate; and (2) cost reductions in Canada and China.

Renew Blue Cost Reduction Initiatives Update

Since the company's last earnings release on May 21, the company has eliminated $65 million in annualized costs ($30 million in SG&A and $35 million in cost of goods sold). These reductions are primarily being driven by (1) supply chain efficiencies; and (2) various efficiency improvements, including the optimization of the organizational structure to reduce costs and enhance accountability. Together with the $325 million previously announced, the company has eliminated a total of $390 million in annualized costs ($325 million in SG&A and $65 million in cost of goods sold) out of the $725 million North American opportunity that was presented at the company's Investor Day in November 2012.

Sale of Stake in European Business Completed

During the second quarter, Best Buy completed the sale of its 50% interest in Best Buy Europe and received proceeds of $526 million in net cash upon closing and $123 million in cash proceeds from the subsequent sale of the CPW ordinary shares received as part of the consideration for the sale. The company will also receive approximately $39 million in deferred cash plus interest on both the first and second anniversary of the closing. Beginning in Q1 FY14, results from European operations were presented as discontinued operations.

Bond Offering

On July 16, 2013, Best Buy completed a public bond offering for $500 million in 5.0% notes due in August 2018. The company used the net proceeds from the sale for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of $500 million in 6.75% notes that matured on and were retired as of July 15, 2013.

Dividends

On July 2, 2013, the company paid a quarterly dividend of $0.17 per common share outstanding, or $58 million.

Conference Call

Best Buy is scheduled to conduct an earnings conference call at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time (7:00 a.m. Central Time) on August 20, 2013. A webcast of the call is expected to be available on its website at www.investors.bestbuy.comboth live and after the call. A telephone replay is also available starting at approximately 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (10:00 a.m. Central Time) on August 20 through August 27, 2013. The dial-in number for the replay is 800-406-7325 (domestic) or 303-590-3030 (international), and the access code is 4635419.

(1) Best Buy's comparable store sales is comprised of revenue at stores, call centers, and websites operating for at least 14 full months as well as revenue related to other comparable sales channels. Relocated stores, as well as remodeled, expanded and downsized stores closed more than 14 days, are excluded from the comparable store sales calculation until at least 14 full months after reopening. Acquired stores and businesses are included in the comparable store sales calculation beginning with the first full quarter following the first anniversary of the date of the acquisition. The portion of the calculation of the comparable store sales percentage change attributable to the International segment excludes the effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The calculation of comparable store sales excludes the impact of revenue from discontinued operations. The method of calculating comparable store sales varies across the retail industry. As a result, Best Buy's method of calculating comparable store sales may not be the same as other retailers' methods. Online revenue is included in Best Buy's same store sales calculation.

(2) The company defines non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP SG&A, non-GAAP operating income and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share for the periods presented as its gross profit, SG&A, operating income and diluted earnings per share for those periods calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("GAAP") adjusted to exclude the effect of Q2 FY14 LCD legal settlements, restructuring charges, non-restructuring asset impairments, gains on sales of investments and the tax impact from the sale of the company's European business.

These non-GAAP financial measures provide investors with an understanding of the company's financial performance adjusted to exclude the effect of the items described above. These non-GAAP financial measures assist investors in making a ready comparison of the company's gross profit, SG&A, operating income and diluted earnings per share for its fiscal quarter ended August 3, 2013, against the company's results for the respective prior-year periods and against third party estimates of the company's gross profit, SG&A, operating income and diluted earnings per share for those periods that may not have included the effect of such items. Additionally, management uses these non-GAAP financial measures as an internal measure to analyze trends, allocate resources, and analyze underlying operating performance. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered superior to, as a substitute for, or as an alternative to, and should be considered in conjunction with, GAAP financial measures and may differ from similar measures used by other companies. Please see "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" attached to this release for more detail.

(3) The company defines non-GAAP return on invested capital ("ROIC") as non-GAAP net operating profit after taxes divided by average invested capital for the periods presented (including both continuing and discontinued operations). Non-GAAP net operating profit after taxes is defined as our operating income for the periods presented calculated in accordance with GAAP adjusted to exclude the effects of: (i) operating lease interest; (ii) investment income; (iii) net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests; (iv) income taxes; (v) all restructuring charges in costs of goods sold and operating expenses, the effect of Q2 FY14 LCD legal settlements, goodwill and tradename impairments, and BBE transaction costs; and (vi) the noncontrolling interest impact of the restructuring charges, BBE transaction costs and the purchase of CPW's share of the Best Buy Mobile profit share agreement. Average invested capital is defined as the average of our total assets for the trailing four quarters in relation to the periods presented adjusted to: (i) exclude excess cash and cash equivalent and short-term investments; (ii) include capitalized operating lease obligations calculated using a multiple of eight times rental expenses; (iii) exclude our total liabilities, less our outstanding debt; and (iv) exclude equity of noncontrolling interests.

This non-GAAP financial measure provides investors with a supplemental measure to evaluate how effectively the company is investing its capital and deploying its assets. Management uses this non-GAAP financial measure to assist in allocating resources, and trends in the measure may fluctuate over time as management balances long-term initiatives with possible short-term impacts. Our ROIC calculation utilizes total operations in order to provide a measure that includes the results of and capital invested in all operations, including those businesses that are no longer continuing operations. This non-GAAP financial measure should not be considered superior to, as a substitute for, or as an alternative to, and should be considered in conjunction with, GAAP financial measures and may differ from similar measures used by other companies. Please see "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" attached to this release for more detail.

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements:

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that reflect management's current views and estimates regarding future market conditions, company performance and financial results, business prospects, new strategies, the competitive environment and other events. You can identify these statements by the fact that they use words such as "anticipate," "believe," "assume," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "project," "guidance," "plan," "outlook," and other words and terms of similar meaning. These statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the potential results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Among the factors that could cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from those contained in such forward-looking statements are the following: general economic conditions, changes in consumer preferences, credit market changes and constraints, acquisitions and development of new businesses, divestitures and dispositions, product availability, sales volumes, pricing actions and promotional activities of competitors, profit margins, weather, natural or man-made disasters, changes in law or regulations, foreign currency fluctuation, availability of suitable real estate locations, the company's ability to react to a disaster recovery situation, the impact of labor markets and new product introductions on overall profitability, failure to achieve anticipated expense and cost reductions from operational changes, failure to achieve anticipated benefits of announced transactions, integration challenges relating to new ventures and unanticipated costs associated with previously announced or future restructuring activities. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in the company's annual report and other reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, Best Buy's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 27, 2013. Best Buy cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not complete, and any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Best Buy assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement that it may make.